My dad used to send me into a panic whenever given the ceremonial after-dinner card on birthdays or Father’s Day. What was I worried about?

He actually read the card aloud to the family.

“Holy cow — what does it say?” I’d be thinking through my sweat. For, being a young man of my time, I’d never read the message through, just a few words on the front and skimmed to the ending. Happily, though, because American Greetings cards are carefully crafted to say just the right thing, I needn’t have worried. Now I’m editing those card lines and, as a father myself, I take great pride in selecting just the right messages for our products.

My dad was probably a lot different from yours: like many of his generation, he wasn’t overly expressive of his softer side, preferring to let his actions speak for him. Younger dads are a lot closer to their kids and more open with their feelings, though not all are as comfortable that way as others. So if you want to know what to say in a Father’s Day card it’s gotta start with what kind of guy he is.

Is he the classic strong, silent type? If so, he’s going to know all about saying the most with the least amount of words and reading between the lines for the deeper message. If you’re going for the plain and direct sentiment, it might read something like:

Straight up and right to the point…
You’re a great dad, and you’re loved very much.

Or, if you’re more likely to share your message in a kidding way, it can be fun affectionately turning his words back on him:

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Okay! Good talk.

What if he’s an old softie? These guys can handle a little sentimentality. You might want to turn up the Love, Pride or Gratitude, just for him:

I’ll never be too old to need you, Dad.
Hope you know how much I’ll always love, care for, and appreciate you.

Maybe he’s not your biological father but he’s had a real influence on your life and deserves to know how you feel about him.

fa – ther (n.) Someone who cares and helps and guides you. (Shared DNA not required.)
Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life.

Are there any special interests he’s known for? Sometimes it’s nice just knowing you “get” him:

Take it easy, sit and chill,
Get a game in, fire the grill,
Surf the channels, lift a brew,
And celebrate a great dad — you!

No matter what type of man he is, if there’s one thing all dads everywhere want to be recognized for, it’s the hard work they put into being a good father. You really can’t go wrong with a simple “I notice”:

For the wonderful things you do that I might not always notice, and the words of wisdom that might sometimes get ignored, thank you. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel very, very lucky to have a dad like you!

Whether you come up with something sweet, witty or wise, only you know what makes the dad in your life so special to you—and that’s what he really wants to hear. Be sure to check out our website for everything Father’s Day, including Father’s Day eCards, Print at Home cards, and more.

Steve Johnson

Did this article help inspire you with what to write in a Father’s Day card? Feel free to comment with your ideas or tweet us @amgreetings!